Background

Arlette Noels obtained her degree in physical sciences at the ULg in 1964. She then began a doctorate in sciences at the institution in the team working around Professor Paul Ledoux, an internationally renowned specialist on the internal structure and stability of stars. At the time stellar astrophysics was just starting out. Seduced by the possibility of ‘calculating’ a model of a star, she naturally devoted her thesis (defended in 1971) and her later research to theoretical stellar astrophysics.

For Arlette Noels, ‘the very close interaction between research and specialist teaching constitutes the Rosetta Stone of quality teaching and research.’ She thus, in parallel to her research, also accords an important place to teaching astronomy and stellar evolution.

She has supervised many doctoral theses and now directs a group of ten researchers very enthusiastically involved in the ‘asteroseismological’ aspect of CoRoT space mission. Thus, having had the chance to experience at close at hand the exciting era in which theories of stellar evolution delivered their secrets, Professor Arlette Noels is now engaged in a new stellar saga where from now onwards observations will reveal the hearts of stars, thanks to asteroseismology.